Shannon Phillips has announced her resignation as the MLA for Lethbridge-West. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta

Shannon Phillips resigns as Lethbridge-West MLA

Jun 10, 2024 | 2:24 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – One of the longest-tenured Alberta NDP MLAs is calling it quits.

Shannon Phillips announced her resignation on Monday, June 10, 2024 as the MLA for Lethbridge-West.

She says she is very proud of what she accomplished throughout her political career.

“We have made significant gains in building the party outside of Edmonton and Calgary. Being elected for three terms outside of the major cities in Alberta shows that with focus, discipline and community connection, I could achieve something as a New Democrat that everyone told me was impossible just a decade ago,” says Phillips.

Phillips came into office in 2015 as the NDP formed government for the first time in Alberta. While in power, she served as the Minister of Environment and Parks.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

She says there was not one reason in particular for her decision to leave, but rather, several.

Her issues with the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) have been highly publicized over the years and was one of the bigger factors.

They include some LPS members surveilling her despite not being part of an official investigation, and sharing memes about her that the service itself described a “profane, abusive, and insulting.”

Phillips says the police service has shown zero accountability or remorse.

Some of her other reasons for leaving office include wanting to explore other professional opportunities and a feeling that she had accomplished much of what she set out to.

Her time as MLA comes to an end on July 1, 2024. A by-election will need to be held to fill her seat in Lethbridge-West, but at the time of publication, there is no word on when that will happen.